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The Single Word Auditory Comprehension (SWAC) test: A simple method to identify receptive language areas with
Gonzalo Alarcón1, Marie Bird Pedersen2, Noelia Juárez-Torrejón3
1Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health Systems, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK; Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|November 17, 2018
Summary
A new Single Word Auditory Comprehension (SWAC) test reliably identifies receptive language areas in epilepsy patients. This simple method aids in preserving speech function during critical brain surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Epileptology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Epilepsy surgery near speech areas necessitates balancing seizure control with functional preservation.
- Accurate localization of speech receptive zones is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Single Word Auditory Comprehension (SWAC) test.
- To assess the SWAC test's efficacy in localizing speech receptive areas for epilepsy surgery.
Main Methods:
- The SWAC test was administered to epilepsy patients undergoing intracranial electrode assessment.
- Patients comprehended a single target word while electrical stimulation was applied.
- The test was performed during chronic recordings and intraoperatively.
Main Results:
- The SWAC test identified deficits in 7 patients, leading to resection in 6.
- Two patients experienced temporary, minor speech deficits post-resection.
- No permanent speech deficits were observed in any patient.
Conclusions:
- The SWAC test is a reliable, simple, and rapid tool for intraoperative mapping of receptive language areas.
- It serves as an effective initial screening test, guiding more complex language assessments.
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